Rush: Geneva establishments all about autumn

Published: Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2012 5:30 a.m. CST

By LAURA RUSH - editorial@kcchronicle.com

Fall has arrived in Geneva!

The colors around town and in your backyard are amazing. Wearing a jacket or favorite sweater at night and during the day is a sure sign the season is changing, and downtown merchants are changing along with the season. Shops are displaying decorating ideas, and items for autumn and restaurants are used to create dishes using the fall harvest. Pumpkin ravioli anyone?

At the Geneva Chamber of Commerce, we have been in “holiday mode” for a while now, and I am excited to share details about the Christmas Walk and House Tour. However, that will have to wait until next month, because this month is about the celebration of this season – ghosts, goblins and Halloween.

Get your October off to a spooktacular start by visiting downtown Geneva on a Sunday. Stores are open Sundays in downtown Geneva, and many offer exciting events in their shop or restaurant.

How about some wicked fun? The Spirits of Geneva pub crawl Oct. 20 benefits the Geneva History Center. At each stop you will encounter a spirit from Geneva’s past and tasty treats. On Oct. 27, the Geneva History Center will host its Ghost Walk. The walk will be offered four times that day. Those brave enough to attend will enjoy new stories and old legends that will bring the darker corners of Geneva to light. Learn about the “ghosts of Geneva” and the places they inhabit. Up for something spookier? Try the tour at night.

And the Geneva Park District has the right combination of fun and fear. On Oct. 26 and 27, Haunted Hikes are happening. The brochure says, “Peck Farm Park Prairie to be transformed into a field of terror,” so the recommendation of kids 11 and older to partake is probably accurate. Oct. 27 is also Halloween Hayday – a place where kids of all ages will have fun, especially the little ones. Visit www.genevaparks.org for the exciting details.

On Oct. 25, Geneva shops bearing trick-or-treat fliers in their window welcome little ones from 2 to 5 p.m. for treats and maybe a few tricks as well. Don’t forget to stop by the Chamber office at 8 S. Third St. Not only will we have goodies to offer, but it is also the place to pick up a Geneva Shopping and Dining guide or purchase Geneva gift certificates any time of the year.

Before you head home, take time to look at the gorgeous gardens and decorated windows all over the downtown. The Chamber salutes and compliments all the volunteers and merchants who care for them. Thank you for contributing to our beautiful city.

On a personal note, this column comes out on my anniversary. Happy 19 years to my wonderful, patient and understanding husband. Which fabulous Geneva restaurant are you surprising me with?

Have a happy and safe October!

• • •

And a bountiful thank you to all our sponsors, donators, volunteers, participants and the city of Geneva for making the 2012 Festival of the Vine a success!

Additionally, kudos to everyone who came out last month to the Geneva Chamber’s Northern Illinois Food Bank volunteer opportunity. What a difference 40 can make in three hours.

• Laura Rush is communications manager for the Geneva Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached at lrush@genevachamber.com.